The nationally recognized course “Peer to Peer” is being offered by local NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), NAMI Appalachian South. The NAMI Peer to Peer Education Course is a 10 week experiential education course on the topic of recovery and wellness for adults challenged with a mental illness. Living with a mental illness is a traumatic, challenging experience and can affect all aspects of one’s life; including work, relationships, family, and self-care. The Peer to Peer classes are lead by trained peer mentors who are themselves in recovery from mental illness and can share their successful coping strategies with others pursuing recovery. The curriculum covers major mental illnesses, a holistic approach to treatment, coping strategies, relapse prevention, and creating an advance directive for care.

While recovery is a unique experience for each individual, sharing stories can provide the support needed to help on the road to recovery, offer hope, and let individuals know that they are not alone. This program creates a safe, confidential environment of sincere, uncritical acceptance so that each individual can explore their own experiences and make choices concerning their own treatment options.

The class will meet in Franklin, on Tuesdays, 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. starting Oct. 9. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required. Contact Ann Nandrea (828)369-7385, email
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to register or for more information. There is no charge.

NAMI Appalachian South also offers a Support Group for individuals living with the challenge of mental illness and for families who have a loved one with a mental illness. The support group meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month, 7 p.m. at 14 W. Palmer St. in Franklin. NAMI is the nation’s leading grass-roots advocacy organization solely dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with mental illnesses and their families.